CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – Coming off one of its
most successful seasons at the Division III level, Farmingdale
State College has been selected as the Skyline Conference preseason
favorite in men's soccer. After finishing first during the regular
season a year ago, the Rams fell to St. Joseph's in the Skyline
championship game. With a number of key players returning,
Farmingdale is ready to make another run at the conference
title.

Last season, Farmingdale State went 13-7-1 overall and 8-1 in
Skyline Conference play. The Rams advanced to the semifinals of the
ECAC Metro Championship before being knocked off by William
Paterson in penalty kicks. With four all-conference players
returning, head coach Chuck Schimpf's squad will clearly be one of
the Skyline's top teams. At 6-4, junior forward Ryan Paul (21 goals
in 22 games) was tough for opponents to contain last season and
should be an offensive force again this season. Senior goalkeeper
Patrick Gubbins and junior defender Mat Arthurs, also All-Skyline
selections, anchor an experienced defense.

Despite starting 0-6 last season and battling a rash of injuries,
St. Joseph's rebounded to capture its first Skyline title and NCAA
bid in program history. Head coach Gary Smith, entering his 24th
season, did one of his best jobs with a patchwork squad last year,
but with a healthy squad, the Golden Eagles won't give up their
title without a fight. Two years ago, Adam Rodgers and Stephan
Zaech ranked as one of the top scoring duos in the nation with 20
and 23 goals respectively. Last season they combined for nine goals
with both missing a number of games. Julian Barreiros and Scott
Reduto (7 goals each) emerged as freshmen last season, earning
All-Skyline honors. All-conference junior defender K.J. LaBarbera
and senior goalkeeper Mike Dougherty anchor the St. Joseph's
defense.

Last season Old Westbury was the only team to knock off
Farmingdale State during Skyline regular-season play. The Panthers
finished fifth during the regular season before advancing to the
semifinals of the Skyline tournament. Senior midfielder/forward
Fabian Santibanez earned Skyline Player of the Year honors last
season after recording 27 points on 10 goals and seven assists.

Mount Saint Mary and Bard were picked fourth and fifth
respectively. The Mount had a strong season, finishing third in the
conference with a 7-2 record a year ago. The Blue Knights had a
balanced offensive attack last season with eight players scoring at
least two goals. Bard moved up to fourth last season after
finishing eighth in 2007. Sophomore forward Jacob Hartog was
selected as the Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year last season
after leading the Raptors with 12 goals and 27 points.